Tare weight refers to the weight of an empty container or vehicle without any contents. It is important in various industries, such as shipping and food packaging, to determine the net weight of the goods being transported or sold. By subtracting the tare weight from the total weight, one can find the actual weight of the items inside. For example, when weighing a package, the scale shows the total weight, which includes both the contents and the tare weight. Knowing the tare weight allows businesses to accurately calculate shipping costs and ensure compliance with regulations related to weight limits for vehicles like trucks and cargo ships.